Artist Harti at Saatchi Gallery
HartiSWIM is turning its next collection launch into a full creative performance. Titled ‘Barbados After Dark’, the collection
draws inspiration from the electric colour and atmosphere of the Caribbean island that has long shaped Creative Director Tessa Hartmann’s personal story. The line translates original hand-painted artworks into sculptural swimwear, bold one-pieces and statement cover-ups, designed to feel as alive as the paintings they originate from.
Sandy Lane
Turquoise, coral and saturated pinks dominate the palette, punctuated by HartiSWIM’s signature pop-art graphics. Each design begins as hand-painted artwork created by Harti, artist and painter Sascha Hartmann, before being transformed into wearable pieces celebrating the female form as canvas. For the collection, Harti created three distinct pop-art canvases inspired by iconic locations in Barbados, “Sandy Lane,” “Carlisle Bay,” and “Saint James.” These works form the visual backbone of the collection, with their brushstrokes and colour compositions translated directly into the swimwear prints
.
“Each piece begins as a painting. The swimwear is simply the canvas continuing to move,” Tessa says. Barbados, where Scottish born Tessa spent childhood holidays and later returned with her own family, forms the emotional backdrop
to the collection. In summer 2025, Tessa and Harti immersed themselves on the island, sketching and painting along its coastline. The creative process produced a master acrylic painting that anchors the visual direction of the season.
Carlisle Bay
The project also reflects the brand’s identity as a family-led creative studio. HartiSWIM was founded by husband-and-wife duo Tessa Hartmann and Sascha “Harti” Hartmann, whose Italian heritage also informs the brand’s decision to move manufacturing to Italy for the upcoming season. Ocean conservation remains central to the label’s ethos. The collection is produced using fabrics created from recycled ocean plastic bottles, a philosophy inspired in part by Barbados’ deep respect for its coastline.“The islanders’ respect for the ocean mirrors our own values, beauty with responsibility,” Tessa says.
Saint James
HartiSWIM will present ‘Barbados After Dark’ on Saturday 30th May at Miami Swim Week The Shows at the Mondrian Hotel South Beach
